Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are disclosed for portable stairs. In one embodiment, a support structure extends from a lower level to an upper level. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of steps are coupled to the support structure. In a further embodiment, an apparatus includes means for independent, per-step adjustment of step positions relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A front element for stalling an animal in a free stall, that is better suited than earlier devices to the morphology and movements of the animal to be contained, helping guide the animal when it is positioning itself, standing up and/or lying down in its free stall. Such a front element can be implemented in a pair in a front structure, in order to delimit the internal space I of said free stall.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus providing a combination mineral feeder and livestock sprayer with a mineral feed compartment having a door and a sprayer actuated by movement of livestock into the door. The door includes a roller applicator for imparting liquid treatment to the nose and face of an animal. The apparatus combines a reservoir of chemical into the unit and a pump to the sprayer. The apparatus is secured by a mat or surround attached to the base of the apparatus that accommodates the livestock thereon during use.

Abstract: A material discharge system having at least one rotating member disposed within at least one chamber of a holding container. Each rotating member has a central hub with a plurality of arms that extend radially and transversely away from the central hub. The holding container has at least one discharge chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides methyl- and trifluoromethyl-substituted pyrrolopyridines, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of modulating ROR? activity and/or reducing the amount of IL-17 in a subject, and methods of treating various medical disorders using such pyrrolopyridines and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: A sensor device, monitoring device, and method for automatically matching the sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein the monitoring device receives information related to the ID tag from an ID reader device and receives sensor device information from the sensor device, where the sensor device information includes a sensor device identity information and an indication that transmission of the sensor device information from the sensor device was triggered by an ID reader device, the ID tag and the sensor device being determined to be attached to the same animal based on time information associated with the information related to the ID tag and the sensor device information.

Abstract: Provided is a massaging tool for pets usable for pets of various sizes and various portions of pets, and having excellent maintenance property. A massaging tool for pets, which comprises two approximately cylindrical roller bodies, and a grip body having a branched supporting part which has a first and second supporting parts in the form of right and left pair, and can vary separation distance therebetween, wherein each of the first and the second supporting part supports the roller body in the freely rotatable manner so that a rotation axis of the roller body is oriented in the direction approximately vertical to the direction of the separation distance.

Abstract: A grabber scoop and scraper device with sticky roll and LED includes a bucket scoop that opens and shuts by squeezing a handle grip attached thereto via an extension rod. The bucket scoop includes two halves each configured with attaching ends and scraper ends. A sticky portion is disposed concentrically on the extension rod proximal the bucket scoop to temporarily attach at least one disposable bag(s) thereto. A disposable bag encloses some of the extension rod to the two bucket scoop and attaches to the sticky portion to form a closed container inside-out therewith around a grabbed material. A grabber and scoop contents disposing method includes forming the bucket scoop and using the sticky portion to temporarily attach at least one disposable bag thereto. A directional light emitting diode attached to the device shines in a direction of the sticky roll and the bucket scoop and may be automatically activated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for adjusting an animal wearable devices are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a system that may include an animal wearable device, one or more straps, and one or more strap length adjustment mechanisms coupled with the one or more straps; the one or more strap length adjustment mechanisms that may be coupled with the animal wearable device. The strap length adjustment mechanism may include a variety of components such as a take-up spool and tension component(s). Some embodiments may utilize a motor coupled with the take-up spool and a microcontroller. Some embodiments include methods of utilizing the strap length adjustment mechanism(s) to adjust the fit of the animal wearable device.

Abstract: A two-handed dog leash with a rigid tubular member, a cleat assembly, a flexible dog leash, and a leash termination member. The tubular member has a hollow portion on one end and a slot portion on the opposite end. The cleat assembly is mounted on either side of a central aperture in the tube. The dog leash is inserted into the central tube aperture and is capable of extending perpendicular to the rigid handle member so that a person can hold the handle with two hands or can extend parallel to the rigid handle member and reside in the slot portion of the handle member so that a person can use the handle with one hand.

Abstract: A pet traction device includes a housing, a reel, a switch button and a brake paddle. A reel frame is mounted into the housing; the reel is rotatably installed into the reel frame; a brake position is defined at a position with a spacing from the reel and corresponding to a free end of the brake paddle; the brake paddle is pivoted to the housing through a pin shaft; a torsion spring is sheathed on a pin shaft; the torsion spring has a section fixed to a protrusion of the reel frame and the other end abutting an inner wall of the brake paddle; the brake portion corresponds to an arc bottom of the switch button; and the switch button has a movable latching portion corresponding to a fixed latching portion disposed in the housing and proximate to the rear of the switch button.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microfluidic device and system for measuring a composite electropharyngeogram (EPG) signal from a pool of multiple nematodes, wherein the composite EPG signal is measured from the pool of nematodes present in a single recording channel connected to two or more integrated electrodes. The microfluidic device includes an inlet port and outlet port directly connected to a single recording channel and two or more electrodes directly connected to the recording channel. The recording channel is configured to hold 10 to 10,000 nematodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering digestible products to hatchling fowl includes a controller and a metered delivery mechanism, the metered delivery mechanism electrically coupled to the controller and configured to deliver a pre-defined quantity of digestible products to the container. The digestible product includes an edible and digestible semisolid material.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing shell eggs includes a washing unit and an egg conveyor extending in a longitudinal direction, and having a transverse direction. The longitudinal and transverse directions define a conveyor plane. Spray nozzles are arranged in the washing unit above the conveyor plane so that in a first step the eggs can be subjected to a liquid jet from a first liquid spray nozzle spraying in a first spray direction, and in a second step the eggs can be subjected to a liquid jet from a second liquid spray nozzle spraying in a second spray direction. The first and second spray nozzles are arranged on opposite sides of the egg when seen in the transverse direction and at a distance above the conveyor plane so that the liquid sprayed in the first and second spray directions hits the egg from opposite sides in a downwards angle.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that wraps around the neck of an animal, such as a rooster. The apparatus may be adjustable for different size animals and birds' necks to restrict the neck from expanding during the crowing process, which reduces the volume or eliminates the sound of the crow.

Abstract: An open sea fish cage includes a fish enclosure, a floatation collar, and a weight ring. The fish enclosure allows water to flow therethrough. The floatation collar engages an inboard portion of the floatation collar, and includes a plurality of floatation segments that are connected by flexible joints to adjacent floatation segments. A weight ring assembly is suspended from an outboard portion of the floatation collar with first tension members. At least most of the fish enclosure is disposed vertically between the floatation collar and the weight ring assembly.

Abstract: Provided are a water quality purification device, and a water purifier and an aquarium that use the water quality purification device. The water quality purification device includes a component filled with a micro-electrolysis catalyst and a biological filtration component that are connected in series. By utilizing a micro-electrolysis technology, pollutants in water are preprocessed and the biodegradability of the water is improved. A water body processed by the micro-electrolysis catalyst enters the biological filtration component, which can greatly improve the purification efficiency of the biological filter bed. Working together with an adsorption electrode, this structure can effectively stabilize the water quality in the aquarium and greatly reduce the required times of changing water.

Abstract: An animal model (e.g., mouse) and method of use, and cell culture assay method, for characterizing or screening a test compound for its effect on late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). The test compound may be used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The AD animal model may be haploinsufficient for Shugoshin 1 (Sgo1) gene, or may comprise a genetic modification enabling modulation of Sgo1 expression in the brain of the animal when exposed to an Sgo1 expression-modulating compound, such as tamoxifen. After the test compound is administered to the animal model, the presence or amount of an AD biomarker is assessed or measured.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a PD-1 gene-modified humanized animal model. The method utilizes the CRIPSR/Cas9 technique to replace partial fragments of a mouse PD-1 gene with fragments of a human PD-1 gene using homologous recombination by constructing a targeting vector, thereby preparing a gene-modified humanized mouse. This mouse can normally express a PD-1 protein containing the functional domain of the human PD-1 protein, and can be used as an animal model for mechanism research regarding PD-1, PD-L1 and other signals, for screening regulators, and for toxicological research. The method has an important and high application value in studies on functions of the PD-1 gene and in the development of new drugs.

Abstract: A handle system operable in conjunction with a fishing rod and reel has an attachment section and a handle section. An arm of the attachment section is attached to a reel housing. The handle section has an upper handle that is connected to the arm and extends above the reel at an angle less than ninety degrees from the fishing rod.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a reel body, a spool shaft, an operating member, and a cam mechanism. The reel body includes a frame, a cover member disposed on one side of the frame, and a shaft support part fixed inside the cover member and supported by the frame. One end of the spool shaft is supported by the shaft support part. The operating member is integrally movable with the shaft support part in the axial direction and rotatably mounted on the shaft support part to rotate between a first position where the shaft support part is attached to the frame and a second position where the shaft support part is detached from the frame. The cam mechanism moves the shaft support part in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation of the operating member such that the shaft support part is attached to and detached from the frame.

Abstract: A fishing reel de-spooler comprises a base member, a de-spooler drive shaft, and two or more extended members adapted to receive fishing line from a fishing reel. The de-spooler drive shaft is adapted for attachment to a chuck of a rotary drill and the plate member. The two or more extended members are removeably coupled to the the plate member. The fishing reel spooler comprises an elongated plate member, a spooler drive shaft, and one or more handle receiving cup members adapted to receive a handle of a fishing reel. The elongated plate member is removeably coupled to the spooler drive shaft on a shaft side of the elongated plate member which is adapted to be coupled to the handle receiving cup members. The spooler drive shaft is adapted for attachment to a chuck of a rotary drill.

Abstract: A fishing tackle module is provided for removable attachment to the rim of a bucket. The module includes a curved body member having a flanged leading edge adapted for engagement with the rim of a bucket, a trailing edge, and a surface that extends between the flanged leading edge and the trailing edge; a plurality of enlarged openings formed through the surface at spaced intervals; a plurality of apertures formed through the surface at spaced intervals adjacent the trailing edge; and a sheath engaged with and extending downwardly from one of the enlarged openings.

Abstract: The present invention sets out to provide an improved way to retain an amount of wound fishing line and the loose end of the wound fishing line to the spool that the fishing line is wound upon. The fishing line retention device comprising of a main circular band having an internal wall, an outer wall and at least one grip tab. The fishing line retention device accurately and tightly holds pressure on the loose end of the fishing line against the spool. The fishing line retention device protects the fishing line from harmful environmental conditions such as wind, water, dirt, sharp objects and UV light.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder including a stake, a foot engaging flange, an elongate tubular member, and a rod retainer. The fishing rod holder is designed to be inserted into a substantially planar surface for retaining a fishing rod in a static position. The stake is an elongate member having a pointed tip. The foot engaging flange is attached to the stake at an end distal to the pointed tip. The elongate tubular member is attached in series with the stake and the foot engaging flange. The rod retainer is sized to telescopically couple with the elongate tubular member. The rod retainer is configured to hold a fishing rod. The fishing rod holder effectively holds a fishing rod at a vector defined by the placement of the stake.

Abstract: A fishhook remover for dehooking a fishhook from a catch is provided. The fishhook remover includes a hollow shaft having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending from a handle provided at the first end to an opening provided at the second end. The fishhook remover includes a retractable grabber within the bore of the hollow shaft and extending out from the second end for grabbing/retaining the fishhook, and an actuating member slidably engaging the hollow shaft between the first and second ends for actuating the grabber between an extended position and a retracted position. The fishhook remover includes a fishhook alignment needle for engaging the eye of the fishhook. The needle can be in proximity to the second end of the hollow shaft and configured to orient the fishhook in a position where it can be engaged by the grabber.

Abstract: A handheld lighting apparatus is disclosed having a top housing coupled to a first light source and an electrical grid configured to distribute a quantity of electricity to an object that contacts adjacent portions of the grid. The top housing is slidably mounted to a bottom housing having a cavity therein, the cavity being configured to receive the electrical grid assembly therein. The first light source emits light ranging from about 400 nm to about 720 nm in a first mode and light ranging from about 315 nm to about 400 nm in a second mode. A second light source is disposed about the bottom housing configured to propagate light in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the lighting apparatus.

Abstract: A tamper-proof bait station includes a container having a base and a lid that provides access to an interior that stores a poison bait that is consumed by pests. The base is securable to an external support member that supports the container above a ground surface. The support has an interior that is able to receive a weighted material to restrict movement of the container. A locking cap is provided that locks the lid to the base and is only removably upon applying axial or side pressure to the locking cap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a drone detonator for animal and bird control and a method for animal and bird control using the same. The detonator may include an actuator, a firing rod and a blank cartridge. The detonator may be detachably coupled to a drone. The actuator may move the firing rod from a first position to a second position to trigger detonation of the blank cartridge during drone flight. The actuator may be in communication with a remote control source. A method of animal and bird control using the drone detonator may include attaching the detonator to a drone, flying the drone to a target zone, and detonating the blank cartridge at the target zone.

Abstract: A wireless wildlife observation intelligence system includes a timer including intelligent manageability software; data collection hub including a camera and temperature sensor, wirelessly connected at least one of a cloud based-system or user; an antenna; a mobile app; a solar panel; a rechargeable battery; a feed hopper including a feed level indicator; an access point range extender; and a motor operatively connected to the timer and feed hopper and a method for wireless wildlife observation, using the system for capturing still and video data along with metadata values of: date, time, moon phase, gps coordinates, location name, temperature, and weather conditions to create reporting and algorithms which trigger actions/send commands to other connected devices; and performing at least one of automatically adjusting the scheduled feed dispersion times of a timer based on the natural times when animals come to the feed location as well as report optimal visit times that are specific to that location's enviro

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for maintaining and monitoring an excised donor heart. The apparatus comprises a first component for receiving and submerging therein an excised heart in a constantly circulating perfusate solution and a second component comprising equipment for adjusting the temperature and oxygen content of the perfusate solution. The first component comprises an integral pair of defibrillating pads. A first conduit infrastructure interconnects the first module, the second module and an aorta of the excised donor heart pushing a perfusion solution from the first module through the second module into the aorta. The second conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the right atrium and the left atrium for pushing the perfusion solution from the first module into the atria. The third conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the pulmonary artery and provides an after pressure to the flow of the perfusion solution from the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to peroxyformic acid forming compositions, methods for forming peroxyformic acid, preferably in situ, using the peroxyformic acid forming compositions. The present invention also relates to the peroxyformic acid formed by the above compositions and methods. The present invention further relates to the uses of the peroxyformic acid, preferably in situ, for treating a surface or a target. The present invention further relates to methods for treating a biofilm using peroxyformic acid, including peroxyformic acid generated in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one particular insecticide disclosed herein in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a herbicide combination containing components (A) and (B) where (A) being the compound and the salts thereof described by formula (A): and (B) being the compound and stereoisomers thereof described by formula (B):

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, useful as a pesticides, especially as fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the tolerance of crop plants to abiotic stress. In particular, the invention relates to methods for improving the tolerance of rice seedlings to heat stress during transplanting.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides silylated polyalcohols, compositions thereof and their use as medical, insecticidal, prophylactic or therapeutic substances for the treatment or prevention of infection or infestation by arthropods. More specifically, the disclosure relates to the methods of treatment of infections or infestation by lice in a human comprising administration of an effective amount of silylated polyalcohols and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising: (i) a composite antimicrobial particulate material comprising an oligodynamic metal embedded in a water-insoluble inorganic carrier; and, (ii) at least one of thymol or terpineol or a mixture thereof. The composition is useful for sanitising an animate or inanimate surface by reducing bacterial count of at least one Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterium on said surface by 1 to 5 log within a contact time of 10 to 30 seconds.

Abstract: Planting corn in one or more consecutive growing seasons in the same fields causes a yield reduction (“corn-on-corn yield penalty”). We developed methods and compositions comprising a lipo-chitooligosaccharide (LCO), to reduce corn-on-corn yield penalty. The disclosure covers the compositions and methods for reducing corn-on-corn yield penalty.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the prevention, control, disruption and treatment of bacterial biofilms with lysin, particularly lysin having capability to kill Staphlococcal bacteria, including drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, particularly the lysin PlySs2. The invention also provides compositions and methods for use in treatment or modulation of bacterial biofilm(s) and biofilm formation.

Abstract: Compositions and uses involving L. monocytogenes PssZ, as well as homologs, variants, and fragments thereof, are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising Root-Lesion Nematode (RLN)-inhibitory Methylobacterium sp., as well as cell-free culture supernatants, fractions, and concentrates obtained from the Root-Lesion Nematode (RLN)-inhibitory Methylobacterium sp. Also provided are related methods for controlling RLN infections of plants, and methods of making the compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents, compositions, and methods for agricultural pest control, e.g., for altering the level, activity, or metabolism of one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect (e.g., agricultural pest), the alteration resulting in a decrease in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition including an agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is detrimental to the host. By disrupting microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the agents described herein may decrease the fitness of a variety of insects that are considered agricultural pests.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: Microsclerotia of entomopathogenic fungi, including Metarhizium species, Beauveria species, and Lecanicillium species, may be produced. These microsclerotia are effective for the control of a wide variety of insect pests, particularly soil-dwelling insect pests.

Abstract: An air impingement conveyor oven incorporating a case having orthogonal walls, the case being opened by opposite end food passage ports; an air plenum mounted within the case; vertical pairs of forwardly extending finger ducts mounted to the plenum; a food conveyor extending between the finger ducts pairs and through the food passage ports; register plates having air jet matrixes, the register plates covering the finger ducts; and the matrixes air jets upon the register plates, the air jets being configured for air flow direction biasing both toward the rearward ends of the food passage ports and away from the forward ends of the food passage ports.

Abstract: A gas burner appliance for recycling wasted heat from a heating process and for distributing heat evenly to a vessel or product. A housing is provided and a plate for directly collecting wasted heat is supported by the housing. A burner arm is also supported by the housing and disposed above the plate for receiving and combusting premixed fuel for uniformly distributing heat to the plate. A motor is supported by the housing and a drive mechanism connects the motor to the burner arm. A thermal electric generator generates electricity directly from heat of the plate and provides at least some of the generated electricity to the motor.

Abstract: An inclusive steaming system for baking dough and method of baking bread enhances the baking of baguettes by providing an elongated baking container is preheatable to high heat prior to receiving dough. A water-capture platform positions in the cavity of baking container, in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship with bottom wall of baking container. The water-capture platform forms a depression that captures melted ice water. When heated, the water-capture platform generates steam in cavity of baking container from melted ice droplets. A perforated baking panel positions in the cavity of baking container, in an elevated relationship from water-capture platform. The baking panel forms a middle ice trough for ice, and a pair of outer dough troughs for receiving elongated dough. As baking container is heated, steam is generated Spacing and perforation in baking panel provides optimal environment for steam circulation around the dough, creating a crunchy outer crust and chewy crumb.

Abstract: In one aspect, baked food products are provided. The baked food products include from 10 to 50% by dry ingredient weight algae flour, from 50 to 90% by dry ingredient weight fruit and/or vegetables, wherein the fruit and/or vegetables include seeds in an amount of from 0 to 30% by dry weight of the fruit and/or vegetables, and less than 10% by dry ingredient weight other food ingredients, The baked food products have a water activity of less than 0.8.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the formula of quality improvement for wheat flour-based frozen foods, which belongs to the technical field of food processing. The present disclosure discloses a quality improvement formula for wheat flour-based frozen food. The formula comprises soy protein isolate, soybean phospholipid, soybean oil and soybean polysaccharide. The formula can be used to improve the quality of wheat flour-based frozen food (frozen cooked noodles, frozen dumplings, frozen steamed bread, frozen steamed stuffed buns, etc.). The soybean base formula needs to be blended into water according to a proportion first, high-speed shearing and homogenizing, emulsification are performed, agitation and heating are then performed, so that compound soybean milk is made, and thereby the formula can take effect.